tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46647937305792201572024-02-19T07:36:13.504+00:00Massacre For BoysIndy British comics creators of the Eagle Award nominated series Walking Wounded.clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-77638901033240728702020-05-19T16:04:00.002+01:002020-05-19T16:58:57.143+01:00Killing Moon Kickstarter Interview<i>To mark the launch of the <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1737503857/killing-moon-fantasy-graphic-novel">Killing Moon Kickstarter Campaign</a>, fearless interrogator<b> Alex Finch</b> caught up with series writer <b>Chris Denton</b>.</i><br />
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<b>Q. Killing Moon's a fantasy comic about an elite band of assassins who were first created in the 1980s, how did you come to be involved with the series?</b><br />
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A few years back, my brother Steve and I contributed to a Ron Smith tribute book. I remember particularly admiring a strip in the same comic by an artist called Bhuna (aka Neil Roche), so I approached him out of the blue to see if he was interested in working on Massacre For Boys. Happily he was, and we collaborated on Emu War. Basically I had the idea that it would be funny to treat an obscure Australian historical event which had been sardonically named “the great emu war” as if it was a genuine military conflict. I’m not sure now if the strip was actually all that hilarious, but Neil did a great job bringing the emus to life. I was really happy how it turned out.<br />
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Some months later Neil made it known that he was looking for a writer to work on a long-form comic he was planning to illustrate. He was asking for pitches for a 4-part series. Usually, I’m not interested in that kind of thing at all, I like to do my own stuff. However, I had enjoyed working with Neil and the brief was pretty open. So I brainstormed some ideas (essentially coming up with the plot to issue 1, if I recall correctly). Neil liked them, and we started from there.<br />
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<b>Q. What were the challenges of writing for pre-existing characters?</b><br />
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The biggest challenge is to strike the right balance between hero and anti-hero. The core Killing Moon characters are all paid killers, but they are also the series protagonists. So they need to be murderous but in a sympathetic way. The easy way out of this is to make all the victims totally irredeemable scumbags, but I wanted to be a bit more interesting than that. To be honest, I’m not sure if I would ever have written about a band of assassins if left to my own devices. Otherwise, I’ve found I actually enjoy the constraints associated with coming in on an existing fictional universe, without having to create absolutely everything from scratch myself. Necessity truly is the mother of invention.<br />
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<b>Q. And what were the highlights of writing the series?</b><br />
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Going to the pub with Neil. <br />
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The longer version of this answer is that he has made it a tradition to launch each issue at Thought Bubble, which as you are likely aware, is a really well-regarded comics festival that runs every year in Yorkshire, generally during the autumn. Now I live in the South-East so Yorkshire isn’t the most convenient for me, but I did make the pilgrimage to see the second issue come out. There I met Neil in person for the first time and caught up with many comics friends new and old, both at the show and at the pub afterwards.<br />
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My other main highlight is working with the team that Neil’s put together, and of course Neil himself. It’s always a pleasure to handover a script and see how Neil interprets it. I have to say I love Darren’s colours too. Indeed, I persuaded him to help out with Massacre For Boys. He’s such a big talent, it’s no surprise to see The Phoenix snap Darren up. Of course there’s also Bolt-01 (Dave Evans) on letters and consulting editor Richmond Clements, I’ve known both Dave and Richmond for many years, they are each of them legends!<br />
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Another thing I love is the pin-ups. Neil organises all of those, so I basically get to see them when they’re done. The artists involved are phenomenal. Neil McClements, SKD, David Frankum, Alan Byrom, the list just goes on and on. All part of the team, and when I put all the names together like this I see it’s more than just a team, we’ve become a community!<br />
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Also, a more prosaic highlight for me is that Neil takes care of the publishing side of things!<br />
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<b>Q. It's now being collected together as a complete graphic novel, can you tell us more about that?</b><br />
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Well, we completed the series and are now putting it all together as a trade paperback (do people still use that term?). The book also includes the original Killing Moon, which was created by his brother, and that is a really interesting read. It’s nothing like the new one, but at the same time you can tell they are closely-related.The way I view it is that the classic Killing Moon are the Justice Society and the current Killing Moon are the Justice League. When I saw Neil’s wraparound cover for the book, which has both versions, I was strongly reminded of Earth-1, Earth-2 and generally how great the DC multiverse was before Crisis.<br />
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Oh, and it’s important to say that we’re doing this as a Kickstarter. Crowd-funding is so important for independent comics, and for independent creators. This is going to be my first campaign, and I’m really excited to see how it goes. As an aside, if fully funded this will be my first published book, a personal landmark that I am very keen to reach.<br />
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<b>Q. The graphic novel will also include brand new material, what do you have planned on that front?</b><br />
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Brand new for this collection will be a story called The Prologue That Comes At The End. We are going to go back in time to Merstburg Castle before the events of the first issue, and see the pivotal moment that everything that comes after/before was set in motion. <br />
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Sorry that’s a bit vague, but I’m trying desperately to avoid spoilers. One thing I can be definitive on is that the Skeleton Mayor is in it.<br />
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<b><br />Q. And once published, do you have any plans to revisit these characters in the future?</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>I don’t want to pre-empt any announcements, but yes, I’d love to write some more. The way it’s plotted in my head, I’m about half-way through the story I want to tell. Simple maths would say that means four more issues / one more book, but an important caveat is that it may very well not work out like that.<br />
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Separately, Neil and I have been working on a story outline set many years in Killing Moon’s past. Hopefully we’ll get to do that one, as well.<br />
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<b>Q. It's been over a decade <a href="https://massacreforboys.blogspot.com/2008/10/alex-finch-interviews-massacre-for-boys.html" target="_blank">since I last interviewed you</a>, how has the small press industry changed for you during that time?</b><br />
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Well, I’ve given up exhibiting at comic conventions for a start. Steve and I had some good time doing those, but in the end it just became soul-destroying. Three days behind a table at London Super Comic Con in Islington was the final straw. The few visitors who wandered up to the small press area were, almost without exception, totally disinterested in Massacre For Boys. Since then I’ve had a much better time going to such events purely as a punter.<br />
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<b>Q. Massacre For Boys had supposedly come to an end a couple of years ago but we hear rumours you've written new material recently, can you tell us about that?</b><br />
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The high concept of Massacre For Boys is that it’s a single story pretending to be an anthology. We got to the end with The Last Stand, and that remains the end of the story. However, despite that, Steve and I seem to be working on it again, alongside Bolt-01 (did I mention he was a legend?) and others. There are two main reasons we’ve gone back to the well one last time. Firstly, we want to put it together into a collection. It was always meant to be read as a single entity, we want to make it much easier for people to do that. Given we started more than a dozen years ago, and, for example, switched page formats after two issues of Walking Wounded, there’s a lot of cleaning up to do just to get the book into publishable shape.<br />
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Furthermore (love that word), although I was very happy with the end, I was less satisfied with the middle. There are quite a few important elements of the story arc that either didn’t work, didn’t appear at all or simply got lost amongst all the other strips. So now we’re fixing all those problems, and when they are fixed we are going to put out a book, The Massacre For Boys Book For Boys, and that will be the final and completed and best version of Massacre For Boys.<br />
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<b>Q. And do you have any other comics related plans?</b><br />
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I think Killing Moon and Massacre For Boys are enough for any man!<br />
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Having said that, I do have a short ghost story set to appear in this year’s <a href="https://www.backfromthedepths.co.uk/thetheatreofterror/horror-comics/hallowscream/" target="_blank">Hallowscream</a>. It’s being illustrated by Ken Best and the work in progress I’ve seen so far is really promising.<br />
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<b>Q. Finally, if you could interview yourself, what question would you most like to ask? And what would the answer be?</b><br />
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The question would be “My friend Serena Williams thinks you’re a genius and she'd really like to have dinner with you to discuss all the things she loves about your work. Is it okay if I give her your phone number?” and my answer would be “Yes, I am always happy to have dinner with a fan. As long as they have a minimum of 23 grand slam singles titles.” This is why I cannot interview myself.<br />
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<i><b>Alex Finch </b>is a former celebrity text-jockey, and the impresario behind <a href="https://comedytowatch.com/">Comedy To Watch</a>.</i><br />
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<i>Additional credits: Artwork by <b>Bhuna</b>, with colouring on Killing Moon by <b>Darren Stephens</b> </i></div>
clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-36949085095075631342017-08-03T10:44:00.000+01:002017-08-03T10:44:37.785+01:00Massacre For Boys: The Last Stand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Cover</b> <b>- The Last Stand </b>by Steven Denton, logo by Nikki Foxrobot<br />
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<b>Walking Wounded - Sniper Elite</b> Script by Chris Denton, Art by Steven Denton, Letters by Nikki Foxrobot<br />
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<b>Walking Wounded: Emu War - The Last Stand</b> Script by Chris Denton, Art by Owen Watts, Letters by Bolt-01<br />
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<b>Scalphunter - Drive's a Hard Bargain </b>Script by Chris Sides, Art by Eddy Lyle, Letters by Bolt-01<br />
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<b>Badland Rules - Call the Cops</b> Text Story Written and Illustrated by Steven Denton<br />
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<b>The Crusader - Spoonful of Blood </b>Script by Chris Denton, Art and Letters by Bolt-01, Colours by Darren Stephens<br />
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<b>The Adventures of Napoleon </b>Script by Chris Denton, Art by Steven Denton, Letters by Bolt-01<br />
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<b>Pinup - The Crusader </b>by Bhuna<br />
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<b>Back Cover</b> <b>- Dog in a Coat</b> by Steven Dentonclergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-38331008874354282432017-05-09T19:50:00.000+01:002017-05-09T19:51:31.962+01:00The Last Stand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-44910331779875764802014-12-21T08:50:00.000+00:002014-12-21T08:50:58.115+00:00Death on the Rock - Sold Out<p>I am pleased to report that the print version of Walking Wounded - Death on the Rock is now <b>SOLD OUT</b>!
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<p>This is the second of our "proper" Walking Wounded comics to disappear from the shelves, Walking Wounded #2 has long been unavailable. A re-mastered omnibus edition of all our black and white work will probably follow in due course, as indeed will a paperback collection of the whole WW/MFB run, but if you can't wait for that, the digital edition of Death on the Rock remains on sale for the bargain price of £1.00 from <a href="http://www.comicsy.co.uk/massacreforboys/">our Comicsy page</a>.clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-37429550080632457652014-09-06T09:46:00.000+01:002014-09-06T09:46:41.985+01:00Alan Moore Photostrip<p>At MFB Towers we're in the midst of an artist crisis, and that has led us to consider reviving the great 80s tradition of the photostrip. Admittedly most were terrible, but some of them were quite fun. Doomlord, of course, and the odd tale by a young British comics writer called Alan Moore, who later went on to do a few quite good traditional comics.
<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvtDB2uARH7piEdXRcsWeHtt4toIrB1p55jc_CAw8J6nbCAb4Bxa0gsU5ojPX0wf3j48_QEvWsfvg9bpuz3LT3TF-hvkoQHApM4R2NPSufdwJe8Ky9YUyfpaLKPJaeyXjLn_EvEvIUnY/s1600/Alan+Moore+Photostrip_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvtDB2uARH7piEdXRcsWeHtt4toIrB1p55jc_CAw8J6nbCAb4Bxa0gsU5ojPX0wf3j48_QEvWsfvg9bpuz3LT3TF-hvkoQHApM4R2NPSufdwJe8Ky9YUyfpaLKPJaeyXjLn_EvEvIUnY/s400/Alan+Moore+Photostrip_0001.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWbQZWmrO6Qrbi5ubLhidrF_9StzmffoL40JoSGkXswLFQ8YyB57vTUqGzIpH7BO8t_nkgqV98Eh6__-T2nBWv6v_7qtwGeUNJe-Fio3Gk7pxmyQGNCwX1RJL7KsYCCPRu-4IpO0St9I/s1600/Alan+Moore+Photostrip_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWbQZWmrO6Qrbi5ubLhidrF_9StzmffoL40JoSGkXswLFQ8YyB57vTUqGzIpH7BO8t_nkgqV98Eh6__-T2nBWv6v_7qtwGeUNJe-Fio3Gk7pxmyQGNCwX1RJL7KsYCCPRu-4IpO0St9I/s400/Alan+Moore+Photostrip_0002.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iUzwZqrl9zlJJ14ROLgto6MXdHcwzjFn2e9gkfZPBqn_FictR8ntt8UeXdi84j7W3DCKYhSH3bldJw3zysdQwWgvgJb9V_DoCNQYS27OacY5CHpTPODw3Sfr5deKluaf1wpEx9SMFrY/s1600/Alan+Moore+Photostrip_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iUzwZqrl9zlJJ14ROLgto6MXdHcwzjFn2e9gkfZPBqn_FictR8ntt8UeXdi84j7W3DCKYhSH3bldJw3zysdQwWgvgJb9V_DoCNQYS27OacY5CHpTPODw3Sfr5deKluaf1wpEx9SMFrY/s400/Alan+Moore+Photostrip_0003.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaK9m-CFBSe0O745uIJ7AL_k_PuQupQA1HMUQZxMHW-05vZ6wyOL90qVzaknqUnH0x71LVNgxPkCXptmBtjyZiZyqdkyRgq6rPeQOocJ6-mycMwPUxVXotbqlBg8DXMAgVd5vj9F-UU6E/s1600/Alan+Moore+Photostrip_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaK9m-CFBSe0O745uIJ7AL_k_PuQupQA1HMUQZxMHW-05vZ6wyOL90qVzaknqUnH0x71LVNgxPkCXptmBtjyZiZyqdkyRgq6rPeQOocJ6-mycMwPUxVXotbqlBg8DXMAgVd5vj9F-UU6E/s400/Alan+Moore+Photostrip_0004.jpg" /></a>clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-39625814000452970062014-07-06T12:25:00.000+01:002014-07-06T12:25:24.232+01:00Creators Wanted<p>Work is currently underway on Massacre For Boys Picture Library #2 and opportunities exist for artists, colourists and letterers to contribute to this landmark issue (landmark for top-secret reasons currently only known to confirmed contributors)!
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<p>There's no money involved (MFB is produced for the love of it and operates and at a financial loss) but there is considerable creative freedom and creator ownership of all work contributed. So, if you feel like joining a team that includes 2000AD's newest droid (contributing editor Steven Denton who works professionally as a colourist on Voodoo Planet in 2000AD, Dept of Monsterology and Keeper, to name but 3) as well as the cream of comics talent from the UK and further afield, then please <a href="mailto://chris@massacreforboys.co.uk">get in touch</a>!
clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-76804971651385943902014-04-19T10:32:00.000+01:002015-03-22T19:11:30.043+00:00Thirty Kroner Who?<p>I contributed several scripts to Picture Library #1, but the one that took by the far the longest to write was <b>Thirty Kroner Kincaid</b>. This strip started out with a throwaway comment by David Frankum that he wanted to do something in the style of the "based on a true story" tales of wartime heroism that were a regular staple of The Victor.
<p>Always eager to have David on board, I immediately set to work. As may be apparent, the main influences on Massacre For Boys are those old IPC comics from the 70s and 80s (Battle, 2000AD, Eagle, Scream! and so on). However Steve and I have always enjoyed the DC Thompson stuff as well, especially The Victor, but also Warlord, Hotspur and, of course, Commando. Indeed, we pastiched the Commando-style in an early Walking Wounded strip (see MFB In Colour).
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJE4sdc5NI5-_EuxwY0esPW1qgjN9HBdW4Ihl98g5v0dBwxo0mFwn__M1h807str0t8ptvytTRGzjihNF8LtELpRV8zq5S2qj2ik5kp79TolKKSCwe_6LVZI73eb6WMlnKdyVHF59kUvk/s1600/kincaid_teaser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJE4sdc5NI5-_EuxwY0esPW1qgjN9HBdW4Ihl98g5v0dBwxo0mFwn__M1h807str0t8ptvytTRGzjihNF8LtELpRV8zq5S2qj2ik5kp79TolKKSCwe_6LVZI73eb6WMlnKdyVHF59kUvk/s400/kincaid_teaser.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>David sent me a scan of one example of the genre (which I loved), but finding that I had no Victor material in the house, I bought myself the recent "Best Of" the annuals material. I devoured it avidly, and indeed added the "Best Of" for the regular comic to my collection as well. One approach I could have taken was a straight parody, and just made up a totally unlikely series of events, then presented them as if they had really happened. Sort of like a Quentin Tarantino war film. However, I decided what I really wanted to do was tell an actual true story. As a nice counterpoint to Walking Wounded (which is pretty unrealistic, sadly) I decided to research the real Commandos and see if there was anything I could work with.
<p>My first idea was to use <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Churchill">Mad Jack Churchill</a>, one of the most inspiring maniacs whom ever lived. However, I couldn't really find a way in to start telling his story, which in any case probably requires a great deal more than three pages. Then I found out about the Lofoten Islands raid, which seemed so different to any kind of battle accounts I'd come across before, and potentially funny, so I decided I had to do it. I did consider having an extra page, with Jack Churchill leading a beach landing, unopposed much to his annoyance, but decided this would just distract from Kincaid's adventures, and so, regretfully, reduced him to a one-panel cameo.
<p>The character of Kincaid I made up, but there was a real individual who "misplaced" thirty kroner during the raid, and whom was not named in historical records to save embarrassment. The exact manner in which the money was lost I also invented, based on inferences taken from the description of what really happened. I'm quite proud that everything in the script is either fact, or else invention that does not contradict any known facts.
<p>One of the things I like about the finished script is it almost entirely succeeds in hiding how much effort has gone into it. Reading the story through, it's so briskly written, with a what I hope is a light-touch, you might think I knocked up in an afternoon. Ha, I wish. Thankfully, when I finally presented the script to David he was kind enough to accept it, and furthermore, do his usual phenomenal job on the art. I particularly loved the naval battle sequence, and then the expressions on the faces of all the characters. He also came up with the idea of a restricting the colour to red shading only, just like DC Thompson used to do, which was a masterstroke. All three pages are a joy to look at. Nikki Foxrobot then did her usual, incredible job on the lettering, the tasty icing on a delicious cake.
<p>You can read page one on David's blog <a href="http://davidfrankum.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/thirty-kroner-kincaid-page-1.html?m=1">here</a>, and all three pages if you buy the comic, obviously. <b>UPDATE</b>: Oh, all right, because you're all so lovely the complete strip is now available from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MassacreForBoys">our Facebook page</a> and on <a href="http://massacreforboys.co.uk">the main MFB site</a>.clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-5604893666090092552014-03-08T09:10:00.000+00:002014-03-08T09:10:32.568+00:00MFB PL #1 Running Order<p>Cover by David Frankum, lettering and MFB logo by Nikki Foxrobot.
<p>Walking Wounded Emu War: The Bug Guns - script by Chris Denton, art by Bhuna, letters by Bolt-01.
<p>The Crusader: Spoonful of Jam - script by Chris Denton, art & letters by Bolt-01, colours by Nathan Webb.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVo8POVujCrTTWVghOvqQQ1MKh2dtCr4bjPMSW2xfRt5IpK5JjGUDAIz2TMgk0zJfdK7R7dlJRIcYuu6tGKRX2jYFtyAa11WM7hNMj76ogvjDjUeB75n8m5gSa53OJkh4nnMZRkRmkfes/s1600/Crusader3-teaser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVo8POVujCrTTWVghOvqQQ1MKh2dtCr4bjPMSW2xfRt5IpK5JjGUDAIz2TMgk0zJfdK7R7dlJRIcYuu6tGKRX2jYFtyAa11WM7hNMj76ogvjDjUeB75n8m5gSa53OJkh4nnMZRkRmkfes/s400/Crusader3-teaser.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>The Zen Fusilier: Hue and Cry - script by Greg Meldrum, art & letters by John Caliber.
<p>Bosher's Goals: Bosher for England - script by Chris Denton, art by Steven Denton, letters by Nikki Foxrobot.
<p>Thirty Kroner Kincaid - script by Chris Denton, art by David Frankum, letters by Nikki Foxrobot.
<p>Mars - script by Chris Denton, art by Steven Denton.
<p>The Boys From Bashley - script by Tim West, art by David Herstal, colours by John Caliber, letters by Bolt-01.
<p>Jimmy Baker Animal Hatmaker: The Crossover - script by Chris Denton, art by Owen Watts, letters by Bolt-01.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpo2C86uA9yQogN0X4jcoJLaVQcIYnSFwxDChcoQ3yWUXSiK0PtAF7QWlsxN7VPQgqBRW0MC5494kC-ekSmtQnHFU4l7YgTKQvws360SsREsMWXwxQfuLJegZhU561rttF4FVQQ8bLfes/s1600/chameleon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpo2C86uA9yQogN0X4jcoJLaVQcIYnSFwxDChcoQ3yWUXSiK0PtAF7QWlsxN7VPQgqBRW0MC5494kC-ekSmtQnHFU4l7YgTKQvws360SsREsMWXwxQfuLJegZhU561rttF4FVQQ8bLfes/s400/chameleon.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>Mustard by Chris Denton, illustration by Steven Denton, layout by Nikki Foxrobot.
<p>Back cover by Steven Denton.clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-52969835679336469222014-02-15T09:08:00.000+00:002014-02-15T09:08:56.299+00:00The David Frankum Experience<p>Artistic genius David Frankum will be lending the Massacre For Boys table at <a href="http://www.londonsupercomicconvention.com/">London Super Comic Con</a> some much needed star quality.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcPXfEJ1yuYQiq9DvLm9HiABm8HQGVWIo7_0hPfTs3pEBfQnMLFqR5-3-t6y274jXLCBZ8p7BvhC-LR1sFJsscYOTwFOJwuT5C0LqxzRNPGN2zZgxs_DyvQE8OpaZHZWK1oGUmQC3kjc/s1600/IMG_0272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcPXfEJ1yuYQiq9DvLm9HiABm8HQGVWIo7_0hPfTs3pEBfQnMLFqR5-3-t6y274jXLCBZ8p7BvhC-LR1sFJsscYOTwFOJwuT5C0LqxzRNPGN2zZgxs_DyvQE8OpaZHZWK1oGUmQC3kjc/s400/IMG_0272.JPG" /></a></div>
<p>David is one of the greats of the British independent comics scene, and we're very fortunate that he's made some fantastic contributions to Massacre For Boys, including both the cover AND a brand new strip for Picture Library #1. He'll be signing, sketching, selling prints, and basically having a good time all weekend. Don't miss this opportunity to come and say hi!
<p>More details over on David's own blog, <a href="http://davidfrankum.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/announcement-london-super-comic.html">here</a>. clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-63149839693780273502014-02-01T12:07:00.002+00:002014-02-01T12:08:07.535+00:00MFB PL #1 Finished Cover<p>Art by David Frankum, Lettering and Logo by Nikki Foxrobot.
<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtM3TwOaWSWeglkq3l4FQbzHBnCvHiIfiT2GidrIFzIhxEe8lgz6uaX1vKKxAxqJseyK8kDjbkik1YKvvgCFc0uv0GwKy3tro4aPbTdz2V-7xGR6Ttlr0G9pnPyBvqo4jqrvPGiLoClII/s1600/Cover-Finished-Lettered.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtM3TwOaWSWeglkq3l4FQbzHBnCvHiIfiT2GidrIFzIhxEe8lgz6uaX1vKKxAxqJseyK8kDjbkik1YKvvgCFc0uv0GwKy3tro4aPbTdz2V-7xGR6Ttlr0G9pnPyBvqo4jqrvPGiLoClII/s400/Cover-Finished-Lettered.jpg" /></a>
clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-11097158081315672052014-01-14T18:41:00.000+00:002014-01-14T18:41:53.973+00:00The Moment Is ComingMassacre For Boys Picture Library launches at <a href="http://www.londonsupercomicconvention.com/">London Super Comic Con</a> March 15/16 2014.
<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9JWX0tya8o6UJCNQV4R71D4ySEnE3XlrXc0lE86eZ7RwKsXnyR9nB_PY_fCfJAZgCyZNzdYGQo9_7-nSVfDGZogjCz_Av2xrnQFYL_Ls9csP6UnLAbTLjAyDZd1mvvoifsylqUwadEw/s1600/Walking+Wounded+pinup.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9JWX0tya8o6UJCNQV4R71D4ySEnE3XlrXc0lE86eZ7RwKsXnyR9nB_PY_fCfJAZgCyZNzdYGQo9_7-nSVfDGZogjCz_Av2xrnQFYL_Ls9csP6UnLAbTLjAyDZd1mvvoifsylqUwadEw/s400/Walking+Wounded+pinup.jpg" /></a>clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-90442113729260694472013-11-03T12:27:00.000+00:002014-03-08T08:49:25.656+00:00Savage Zenith<p>I am delighted to announce that Savage Zenith by Chris Denton (yours truly) and David Frankum is <a href="http://thequaequamblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/drokk.html">out now</a>.
<p>Indeed, Savage Zenith is the cover strip of Drokk, a new publication of "out there" 2000AD fan strips from <a href="http://thequaequamblog.blogspot.co.uk/">the house of Zarjaz</a>. And what a cover! David has really excelled himself this time:
<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pOgO9k9ubldn0q12A3i_8ZhsAuLlT_4rLOC3sEXBx1ReY9BucL_RaETVZq0MVRDIxzH_LBN4xY_bYBoYXJ2EDAgLXCQG9u5dKZDdMe3bUZr5y9WLwQYAz-VM62bbMCICig8ddwzqeZA/s1600/Cover(Drokk)Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pOgO9k9ubldn0q12A3i_8ZhsAuLlT_4rLOC3sEXBx1ReY9BucL_RaETVZq0MVRDIxzH_LBN4xY_bYBoYXJ2EDAgLXCQG9u5dKZDdMe3bUZr5y9WLwQYAz-VM62bbMCICig8ddwzqeZA/s320/Cover(Drokk)Web.jpg" /></a>
<p>Savage Zenith is a follow-up to Zenith Invasion, which David and I did for Zarjaz a couple of years back. The reaction to the earlier strip was pretty good. In particular, one influential critic was very kind about it, but at the time I was pretty firm in my mind that I wouldn't do a sequel. Not only was I profoundly disinterested in writing a direct continuation - for example, with Maximan sinking the Volgan navy - but I was pretty sure the merging of two profoundly different 2000AD strips would collapse under the weight of further expansion.
<p>However, I really, really love Zenith, and I found it a joy to be writing for that universe. In my head a Zenith-only story was beginning to form. I called it "Tribute Act" and was to feature Zenith and his girlfriend (Patsy Kensit, for some reason) going along to see a Zenith tribute singer, only to be faced with the sudden appearance of a nemesis from his past. The twist would have been that the Zenith tribute singer was actually him from an alternative universe, and that he was able to bail his elder duplicate out of trouble.
<p>For various reasons I wasn't quite satisfied with this outline, and had not written it up, let alone submitted it to anyone. It probably would have stayed in the back of my head quite harmlessly, for ever more. Then I saw this:
<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOSIiYUTaHGlL6Vg4bAAXStk8XeETr23Ry1aWRes7jZjVhG_gVeA8MNq3n3kRHxTDTOND2xiPiauhZPeMVKWG0ZdvLDzknNz5SidzQ7my9q_iG7AI44UH4nKZv1LQLcgWHVNaSyL0ecU/s1600/2000ad-xmas-colour.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOSIiYUTaHGlL6Vg4bAAXStk8XeETr23Ry1aWRes7jZjVhG_gVeA8MNq3n3kRHxTDTOND2xiPiauhZPeMVKWG0ZdvLDzknNz5SidzQ7my9q_iG7AI44UH4nKZv1LQLcgWHVNaSyL0ecU/s320/2000ad-xmas-colour.jpg" /></a>
<p>A truly fantastic pin-up of Zenith and Bill Savage, created by David for the 2000AD forum advent calendar. Despite the title, Zenith Invasion only features cameo appearances from each of them, and they don't meet, but when I saw that picture I could see immediately what a great pairing it would be. My issues with Tribute Act fell away when I replaced alt-Zenith with Bill in the mix. Indeed I became almost insanely excited when I realised just how well the story could work (most of my ideas are not nearly so good, as anyone who has had to deal with them would testify!)
<p>Naturally, I wasn't prepared to go forward without David back on board, but luckily he liked the script and agreed to return. The Zarjaz editors, Richmond and Dave, then gave us the thumbs up and so David proceeded to create the artwork. This is where things got really good. Now, David had done a fantastic job on Zenith Invasion, but he keeps getting better and better and when the pages started coming in on Savage Zenith my jaw practically dislocated, it dropped so far so fast. He was always professional quality anyway, but this stuff... wow!
<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY01f4UbLPtvxhyphenhyphenAyAWRKGeHRdjdciOQvjyyChgM6MHT7EQ96AKzyc5F-lRn6-TQorVYIEWN2ahyaQaEj0nZxLYgRyhgJNutKZGhn3Cz2r59i-h1hyRToj7Q3vLpB5TuptAinB4oghjiw/s1600/SavageZenithBLOG.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY01f4UbLPtvxhyphenhyphenAyAWRKGeHRdjdciOQvjyyChgM6MHT7EQ96AKzyc5F-lRn6-TQorVYIEWN2ahyaQaEj0nZxLYgRyhgJNutKZGhn3Cz2r59i-h1hyRToj7Q3vLpB5TuptAinB4oghjiw/s320/SavageZenithBLOG.jpg" /></a>
<p>Once work was completed, there was something of a delay whilst Dave and Richmond were deciding how to use it. David and I moved on to other projects, including another collaboration, this one for Massacre For Boys (it's a Victor-style true war story with a modern twist, you'll love it!) Then we found out about Drokk, and that Savage Zenith was intended as the cover strip. And what a cover! Oh wait, I said that already. Well, it's worth repeating. There's more info about the cover, including a logo-free version, <a href="http://davidfrankum.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/drokk-1-cover.html">on David's blog</a>.
<p>So now it's out. I really hope people like it. One thing I noticed in the feedback to the original is that very few Zarjaz readers were intimately familiar with both Invasion and Zenith. I guess this is because they're very different strips from different eras of 2000AD history. Also, of course, Zenith had been hard to get hold of for a while (but thankfully this time around due to the new hardback edition it's more likely people will have read it). I've tried to address this by ensuring that a detailed knowledge of both characters' publication histories is not really required, let alone any familiarity with Zenith Invasion (there are links, but I tried to be subtle about them). With Savage Zenith I focused very particularly on Zenith and on that part of 2000AD's long lifetime. This Bill Savage never went through the Invasion, nor any of the events of Savage, so whilst I have tried to stay true to his character, there's a lot more leeway in his case.
<p>I would like to thank Richmond Clements and Dave Evans for publishing these strips, and for doing such an amazing job on their incredible roster of comics, the jewels of the British independent scene. I also want to thank my friend Alex Finch who helped me out no end with his incredible research skills. Most of all, I would like to thank David Frankum, who takes my dodgy scripts and turns them into amazing-looking comics!
<p>A final thought. Last time I ruled out a sequel, and then back-tracked. This time I will say that here are no concrete plans for any further instalments. I do have an ambition to write for Peter St John and Ruby Fox and the germ of an idea of how to do this is currently floating around inside my head. I want to largely drop the Savage/Invasion factor but instead introduce another crossover element that if I told you about it, would make your eyes water. I'm not at all sure this will ever happen, but never say never.clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-61861336679982218932013-08-10T14:39:00.001+01:002013-08-14T07:42:41.436+01:00Dept. of Monsterology Issue 1<p>Steve's first major work as a pro colourist debuts in October:
<p><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKl574qgvHlXziyWtkzepcIIvnMHPjxnozLBblvuElw0TRTvkrdMiyBkzrDpmVqMN5yiHVKB52-wdBnPSf3R3Pns5cOj-18uVWQcKcA421hkU6euqlUieZCFQUpSZy45OGHI3cF401UPg/s1600/department-monsterology-1-snipped.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKl574qgvHlXziyWtkzepcIIvnMHPjxnozLBblvuElw0TRTvkrdMiyBkzrDpmVqMN5yiHVKB52-wdBnPSf3R3Pns5cOj-18uVWQcKcA421hkU6euqlUieZCFQUpSZy45OGHI3cF401UPg/s320/department-monsterology-1-snipped.jpg" /></a></center>
<p>Like the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/DeptOfMonsterology">Facebook page</a> for more info or simply give in to your better instincts and pre-order it <a href="http://www.disposableheroes.co.uk/preorders-for-16/10/13/other-publishers/department-of-monsterology-1-of-4-/prod_17475.html">here</a>.
<p>Incidentally, there's now a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MassacreForBoys">new Massacre For Boys facebook page</a>.clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-30608884768048022012013-07-07T12:09:00.000+01:002013-07-07T12:09:22.381+01:00Bosh Hard 2: Bosh Harder<p>Massacre For Boy's contributing editor Steven Denton returns to artwork duties with "Bosher For England":
<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRe9orYPyZnKuEJKOpujqOP6xMZ_RNWLXzq2wqrUId54r8iTyF4-NrOyTdIMGbiml8iZ-FcQXYt3f2nktLiGkc_kusn31NYH8ElCphVgjAs_x6dlUVpkWl4HfWe0C-k23kcnIfEfSaeE/s1600/bosher-promo.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRe9orYPyZnKuEJKOpujqOP6xMZ_RNWLXzq2wqrUId54r8iTyF4-NrOyTdIMGbiml8iZ-FcQXYt3f2nktLiGkc_kusn31NYH8ElCphVgjAs_x6dlUVpkWl4HfWe0C-k23kcnIfEfSaeE/s320/bosher-promo.jpg" /></a>
<p>Steve has contributed something like 100 pages of art to MFB, and many more to most of the big British indy titles. He's now making major inroads as a pro-colourist, most notably on the forthcoming <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DeptOfMonsterology">Dept of Monsterology</a>.clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-37489109653019995242013-06-27T14:53:00.000+01:002013-06-27T14:59:03.820+01:00Third Crusade<p>Ah now, you probably expected this one.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9zzBgOsJ04esz5Kq-vTkyklKSAXN3xalfgaAN8VLo0Z53ybE_Etl4CyPsMUb15tNr0Ujr0YUM1XsyHY1BCaX00n15A88Ot-G_8htwOKoQ_7sWO3HQ2fvv5VDMZetcMDvkcaqYAaxxUk/s519/Crusader3-teaser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9zzBgOsJ04esz5Kq-vTkyklKSAXN3xalfgaAN8VLo0Z53ybE_Etl4CyPsMUb15tNr0Ujr0YUM1XsyHY1BCaX00n15A88Ot-G_8htwOKoQ_7sWO3HQ2fvv5VDMZetcMDvkcaqYAaxxUk/s320/Crusader3-teaser.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
<p>Yes, The Crusader is back in "Spoonful of Jam". Once again, the legendary <a href="http://lostpropertybybolt-01.blogspot.co.uk/">Bolt-01</a> is on art duties. Bolt is one of the most influential creators currently working on the British indy scene. He famously runs <a href="http://www.futurequake.co.uk/">Futurequake Press</a> alongside his compadre, Richmond Clements. We're delighted with Bolt's work on this strip and know that you will be, too.
<p>I can promise returning characters, guns, knives, romance, and lots of action. Also lettering and colour, but that comes later.clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-54190772570816575612013-06-01T14:05:00.000+01:002013-06-01T14:06:45.696+01:00Hats Off<p>We are edging closer towards publication now, and with that in mind here's a panel from... well you can guess:
<p><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpo2C86uA9yQogN0X4jcoJLaVQcIYnSFwxDChcoQ3yWUXSiK0PtAF7QWlsxN7VPQgqBRW0MC5494kC-ekSmtQnHFU4l7YgTKQvws360SsREsMWXwxQfuLJegZhU561rttF4FVQQ8bLfes/s1600/chameleon.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpo2C86uA9yQogN0X4jcoJLaVQcIYnSFwxDChcoQ3yWUXSiK0PtAF7QWlsxN7VPQgqBRW0MC5494kC-ekSmtQnHFU4l7YgTKQvws360SsREsMWXwxQfuLJegZhU561rttF4FVQQ8bLfes/s320/chameleon.jpg" /></a></center>
<p>Yes, it's an animal in a hat, and that can only mean that Jimmy Baker Animal Hatmaker is back! This time the mighty Owen Watts is on art duties, and it's fair to say he is doing a truly amazing job!
<p>Owen, of course, needs no introduction, but for formality's sake I will say that he is the editor of <a href="http://thepsychedelicjournal.blogspot.co.uk/">The Psychedelic Journal of Time Travel</a> (which regenerated from the equally incredible Doctor WTF), runs the <a href="http://forums.2000adonline.com/">2000AD Forum</a> art competition, is a noted <a href="http://www.comicbookdb.com/creator.php?ID=19327">artist, letterer and colourist</a> and is <a href="http://crazyfoxmachine.blogspot.co.uk/">Crazy Like A Fox</a>.
<p>This will be Owen's second foray into the world of Massacre For Boys, and after doing a great job colouring Blackshirts of Exmoor for the Action Special, anyone who isn't excited to see what he does for us in Picture Library has a pretty severe lack of taste.clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-47459114820253733532013-05-27T09:24:00.000+01:002013-11-07T19:28:23.383+00:00Bails of Steel<p>The point of the Massacre For Boys anthologies is to widen our talent pool, and the fruits of our labours can be seen in The Boys From Bashley by MFB newcomers Tim West & Mark Herstal. The story concerns a proficient village cricket team transferred en masse to North Africa at the commencement of World War I - a sticky wicket if ever there was one!
<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDQEvRaiv_bf4qR8_0BPQU_NRtZhM0yLgTpaiQl1XlDWNtvx9ftNQbpYTKRz4hdMShFVpnxu0oYKqYykvHCLcnEB9AGln4qbNJfBZpctr8EymBZaqOhulfY-uDvlb8KEyTbl3ocNp8AE/s1600/BFBteaserA.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDQEvRaiv_bf4qR8_0BPQU_NRtZhM0yLgTpaiQl1XlDWNtvx9ftNQbpYTKRz4hdMShFVpnxu0oYKqYykvHCLcnEB9AGln4qbNJfBZpctr8EymBZaqOhulfY-uDvlb8KEyTbl3ocNp8AE/s320/BFBteaserA.jpg" /></a>
<p>Tim is the driving force behind <a href="http://www.backfromthedepths.co.uk/">Back From The Depths</a> a tribute to Scream, the glorious but criminally short-lived '80s British horror comic. He is also the impresario behind <a href="http://www.comicsy.co.uk/">Comicsy</a> and a comics writer of growing repute.
<p>Mark is a very talented young artist who is in the process of exploding onto the scene. We were lucky to get him at the start of his no-doubt meteoric rise and no doubt you will be hearing a lot more from him in the years ahead.
<p><I>The Boys From Bashley will appear in Massacre For Boys Picture Library.</I>clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-67550687802829667352013-05-18T08:12:00.002+01:002013-05-18T08:12:51.829+01:00Introducing.... Thirty Kroner Kincaid<p>Next up on the Picture Library slate is Thirty Kroner Kincaid by Chris Denton & <a href="http://daveyf.co.uk/Homenews.html">David Frankum</a>. This is a World War 2 story, but totally unlike anything we've done before. I am very excited to see this in print. Here's a work-in-progress image to give you a taster:
<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJE4sdc5NI5-_EuxwY0esPW1qgjN9HBdW4Ihl98g5v0dBwxo0mFwn__M1h807str0t8ptvytTRGzjihNF8LtELpRV8zq5S2qj2ik5kp79TolKKSCwe_6LVZI73eb6WMlnKdyVHF59kUvk/s1600/kincaid_teaser.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJE4sdc5NI5-_EuxwY0esPW1qgjN9HBdW4Ihl98g5v0dBwxo0mFwn__M1h807str0t8ptvytTRGzjihNF8LtELpRV8zq5S2qj2ik5kp79TolKKSCwe_6LVZI73eb6WMlnKdyVHF59kUvk/s320/kincaid_teaser.jpg" /></a>
<p>David should need no introduction to UK comics fans, not least because he's also contributed the cover to Picture Library as well as the art to Walking Wounded: Eastern Front which appeared in last year's Action Special. Outside of MFB, I first had the pleasure of working with him on our Zenith Invasion strip for Zarjaz, one of several he's contributed to <a href="http://www.futurequake.co.uk/">Futurequake Press</a>. Other notable work includes a fantastic online comic published by TopShelf, you really should <a href="http://www.topshelfcomix.com/ts2.0/my_friend_pookie/">check it out</a> in the unlikely event you haven't already.clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-2678881455750070112013-05-13T16:30:00.000+01:002013-05-13T16:32:24.370+01:00The Emus Are Coming!<p>I can now confirm that Massacre For Boys Picture Library will feature the debut of Walking Wounded: Emu War by Chris Denton & Bhuna.
<p>It gives me great pleasure to welcome Bhuna to the fold. He's been one of the top small press artists for a while now and both Steve and I were over the moon when he agreed to contribute his talents to our publication. You can tell he's the right artist for the job simply from this sketch of the flightless beaked menace:
<p><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cjTB1T5Ndf6WAacyQP_kpoE-yk_xdXoX5IPJf7g6-R92nZSKlG_isBkQN3VsGGJ8JlUJ_PzJzHdfPpgbSgnvvIG7pXyRZrjG19LJ3u8ETZbKXIhjEJxiQnirifj0JisOdMOx1L9K3HQ/s1600/emu+sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cjTB1T5Ndf6WAacyQP_kpoE-yk_xdXoX5IPJf7g6-R92nZSKlG_isBkQN3VsGGJ8JlUJ_PzJzHdfPpgbSgnvvIG7pXyRZrjG19LJ3u8ETZbKXIhjEJxiQnirifj0JisOdMOx1L9K3HQ/s320/emu+sketch.jpg" /></a></center>
<p>Emu War is an historically accurate rendition of the deadly fight between the Australian army and a rampaging superherd of emus in 1932 that also details the not quite so historically accurate early years of William "Dog" Tired.
<p>You can see more recent examples of Bhuna's work, including some great Slaine pin-ups and a first look at the young Dog <a href="http://bhunas-blog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/blog-update-thing-and-emu-wars.html">here</a>.
<p><i>Massacre For Boys Picture Library will be out before Ragnarok, I promise!</i>clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-65206846908703176852013-05-04T10:22:00.000+01:002013-05-04T10:22:34.770+01:00Bad Company<p>Steve had a crack at the <a href="http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php/topic,38458.0.html">latest 2000AD forum art competition</a>. The theme was the classic Milligan, Ewins & McCarthy strip, Bad Company.
<p> Here is Steve's entry, depicting Mac vs The Ungrateful Dead:
<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNK6BMbPsg_zvdH8CRwvsn8mfP2oVdosv7cfdNToNfMyhBocEctmMg9YSMy8iiish8RUSqx4bY17miQJVQKDDr-ZVL-R6hDXjFnpCGbZAGXwzO4RrwMZkpqQ9GTjrDUrZU_q6S6SyFgO4/s1600/bad_company2.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNK6BMbPsg_zvdH8CRwvsn8mfP2oVdosv7cfdNToNfMyhBocEctmMg9YSMy8iiish8RUSqx4bY17miQJVQKDDr-ZVL-R6hDXjFnpCGbZAGXwzO4RrwMZkpqQ9GTjrDUrZU_q6S6SyFgO4/s320/bad_company2.jpg" /></a>
<p>Steve warmed-up with this equally impressive Bad Company Zombie:
<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2U4uAZxQPgMbJWtKDOU7VPUtbqeeIbOjVJuhLcaYv5hp00Fb_jw7RT9X1O1jbv1jT_DIg6oVtYEk7WClPYrHOso3-MR-s068MCamwm1PMuiRLzUvmB7KRykC-GILkLbyY2Wl_uP_2OJQ/s1600/bad_company1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2U4uAZxQPgMbJWtKDOU7VPUtbqeeIbOjVJuhLcaYv5hp00Fb_jw7RT9X1O1jbv1jT_DIg6oVtYEk7WClPYrHOso3-MR-s068MCamwm1PMuiRLzUvmB7KRykC-GILkLbyY2Wl_uP_2OJQ/s320/bad_company1.jpg" /></a>clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-40487100465965959922013-03-23T10:44:00.000+00:002013-05-04T20:19:43.302+01:00Psychedelic Time Travel<p>Steve has contributed the artwork for a 4-page strip to Owen Watts' <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/thepsychedelicjournal?fref=ts">Psychedelic Journal of Time Travel</a>. Here's page 1:
<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMh9tpIL-rpUSqd30EsYwU7WzE0c9qjK2cqZF0i9_Ysl3ujyjPHdyld503WUw1CV6ecKBSMA0Y9mJm62MLt-D2Uf3bywqtjWY9LoGJq7wXEkjGv6mXOHqE7oVeHL0VVJCVTaGyWE1gjp8/s1600/timetravel.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMh9tpIL-rpUSqd30EsYwU7WzE0c9qjK2cqZF0i9_Ysl3ujyjPHdyld503WUw1CV6ecKBSMA0Y9mJm62MLt-D2Uf3bywqtjWY9LoGJq7wXEkjGv6mXOHqE7oVeHL0VVJCVTaGyWE1gjp8/s320/timetravel.jpg" /></a>
<p>It's called "Were, Are, Shall Be" and the script was written by Adam Page.
<p>The Psychedelic Journal of Time Travel 2013 is <a href="http://www.comicsy.co.uk/crazyfoxmachine/store/products/category/anthologies/">out now</a>!
<p>Elsewhere, Steve's Rogue Trooper collaboration with PJ Holden from some time back continues to bear fruit. The "landscape one" is <a href="http://thequaequamblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/zarjaz-postcards-series-01.html">now available as a postcard</a>.clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-537913942558110322013-02-25T20:48:00.000+00:002013-02-25T20:51:27.509+00:00Before Skizz<i><p>Incensed by Before Watchmen, I considered penning a parody featuring Alan Moore's 2000AD creation, Skizz. I had two serious goes at writing this, the first an out-and-out comedy, followed by a second version, much more akin to a pastiche, after I started to get interested in what a Skizz prequel might really be like. In the end I set aside the idea, and now it's so profoundly untopical as to be unlikely ever to see the light of day.
<p>However, I don't think I have blogged one of my page breakdowns for a while, so here for your amusement is a panel by panel plan of the earlier, "funnier" Before Skizz...</i>
<p><b>Page 1</b>
<p>1)
<p>Caption: Skizz was co-created by Alan Moore of Watchmen fame! Yes! So you are actually reading a brand new, Moore-quality comic right now!*
<p>Caption: *Legal note: Alan Moore does not endorse this statement.
<p>Skizz's spaceship approaches a small planet.
<p>2)
<p>Skizz in his cockpit.
<p>Skizz: That planet looks interesting, computer.
<p>Computer: Unfortunately, if we stop here you will be late for the Formalhaut Ore Discussions.
<p>3)
<p>Skizz: Ten clicks won't make any difference. Let's take a quick look around.
<p>Computer: If we must.
<p>4)
<p>Spaceship lands by a huge, ancient, dilapidated Romanesque temple.
<p><b>Page 2</b>
<p>1)
<p>Skizz exits his ship.
<p>2)
<p>Skizz finds a plaque with indistinguishable alien characters written on it.
<p>3)
<p>Skizz runs his hand across the tablet, translating it as he does so.
<p>Skizz: Temple.... of.... Glycon.
<p>Link: Interesting.
<p>4)
<p>Skizz enters the temple.
<p>5)
<p>It's dark.
<p>Skizz: Hello... hello.... anyone there?
<p>Page 3
<p>1)
<p>A huge serpent bears above Skizz.
<p>Serpent: artisticintegretiyartisticintegrityartisitic integrity.
<p>2)
<p>The serpent's move his face right up to Skizz's mask.
<p>Serpent: artisticintegrityartisticintegrityartisticintegerity
<p>Skizz: I am sorry, but what do you mean by “artistic integrity”?
<p>3)
<p>Serpent: Exactly my point!
<p>4)
<p>The serpent slithers off.
<p>5)
<p>Skizz looks confused.
<p>Skizz: What a strange being.
<p><b>Page 4</b>
<p>1)
<p>Skizz goes back into to his ship.
<p>2)
<p>Computer: We're late now, Interpreter Zhcchz.
<p>Skizz: Increase speed ten percent over safe limits.
<p>3)
<p>Computer: That's unsafe. Obviously. Denied.
<p>Skizz: Overrule, it will be fine just this once!
<p>4)
<p>Computer: Tsk. If you insist. Brace yourself.
<p>5)
<p>Skizz's ship speeds away from the planet.
<p>Caption: Ha, bad decision, Skizz!
<p>Caption: Now Go and Buy the Skizz trade to see what happens next! The script is by Alan “Watchmen” Moore, who also wrote Watchmen. Did we mention that?clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-48773265297228656572013-02-16T08:23:00.003+00:002013-02-16T08:53:32.515+00:00Picture Library Covered<p>The incomparable <a href="http://www.daveyf.co.uk">David Frankum</a> has contributed this beautiful cover to the forthcoming Massacre For Boys Picture Library:
<p><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xKdtP_WgavRMesUKNrFbR68z3auE_E4hBUjIzzWn5upGaKNsZAe9RXdCGHxjFVz2FZgMKvtWNhAsqUmGWClvi-B1rxAO0orxIgUhiDPo2zUybp424FZNDxnL6GSQJYJl3yAw51R9mqA/s1600/Cover-Finished-+Colour.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xKdtP_WgavRMesUKNrFbR68z3auE_E4hBUjIzzWn5upGaKNsZAe9RXdCGHxjFVz2FZgMKvtWNhAsqUmGWClvi-B1rxAO0orxIgUhiDPo2zUybp424FZNDxnL6GSQJYJl3yAw51R9mqA/s320/Cover-Finished-+Colour.jpg" /></a></center>
<p>This amazing artwork was inspired by Zen Fusilier by <a href="http://hisowndrum.blogspot.co.uk/">Greg Meldrum</a> & John Caliber, which I have trailed before and which is going to be one of the best strips we've ever published.
<p>Here is the image again, in ebony and ivory:
<p><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTWgN9XZFH26ezgDrE73Bron6ighMWPJLKXFEVUc8tBleg6CrGtSA9DNuxO3CxPm8vrnnmS9vlJw4ZfMkpZHNE6BsQZgwHQ69IYpeMvYJnbczCPI37BQZn4jklnt9qL7xtenKFZxm4tA/s1600/Cover-Finished-Inks.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTWgN9XZFH26ezgDrE73Bron6ighMWPJLKXFEVUc8tBleg6CrGtSA9DNuxO3CxPm8vrnnmS9vlJw4ZfMkpZHNE6BsQZgwHQ69IYpeMvYJnbczCPI37BQZn4jklnt9qL7xtenKFZxm4tA/s320/Cover-Finished-Inks.jpg" /></a></center>
<p>Our thanks go to David for doing such a phenomenal job :)
<p>Unfortunately, due to production difficulties not dissimilar to those<a href="http://futurequakepress.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/exciting-news-readers-no-futurequake-in.html"> that recently afflicted Futurequake</a>, the launch date of Picture Library has been delayed. We could be looking at up to 12 months in order to get to a point where we have a comic we feel we can present to the world. I can only apologise to fellow creators and readers negatively impacted by this editorial fail.
<p>However, there is an upside which is that work continues to pack even more classic British comic action into the issue, and that when it does appear it will have been worth the wait!clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-23342852562626716972013-01-11T14:32:00.000+00:002013-01-12T13:40:17.207+00:00Lovecraft Anthology 2<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23BTjmcU1aDK5y9N2OnELaaweXVxzvwPyY0Eg8m4GcoJaBbeK3a7Fq1Wm0HfuW2hcIeIo-CuHrnKCKtKfk4dFBdpsoy84Mv05cD1DEgYYKOig_S3aJLVubhnntYd6W_bUWCMRHWQNwtI/s1600/lovecraft2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23BTjmcU1aDK5y9N2OnELaaweXVxzvwPyY0Eg8m4GcoJaBbeK3a7Fq1Wm0HfuW2hcIeIo-CuHrnKCKtKfk4dFBdpsoy84Mv05cD1DEgYYKOig_S3aJLVubhnntYd6W_bUWCMRHWQNwtI/s400/lovecraft2.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>Over Christmas I tweeted my thoughts on the second Self Made Hero Lovecraft Anthology. You probably missed it. I think everybody missed it. (Well, I know Pat Mills read one of them, but I did tag him when I reviewed his story, so I am not sure that counts.) In any case, here they are again, collected for your perusement:
<p>Introduction: Here we go then, single tweet reviews of each story in The Lovecraft Anthology volume eleven (or possibly two)...
<p><b>Pickman's Model</b> by Delano & Pugh. Nice and punchy, if not 100% effective. Reminded me of the Revolver horror special.
<p><b>The Temple </b>by Lackey & Salmon. Yeah, now this is the stuff. Classic Lovecraft, with shades of Das Boot and The Keep.
<p><b>From Beyond</b> by Camus & Fructus. Creepy, but errs on the psychedelic side. I like my Lovecraft a bit more subtle.
<p><b>He</b> by McPherson & Peart-Smith. The script probably doesn't quite work, the ending is too abrupt, but the art is fine.
<p><b>The Hound</b> by Fifer & Baugh. Another highlight. Conan Doyle take note, this is how to do creepy dogs.
<p><b>The Nameless City</b> by Mills & Futaki. Mountains of Madness in minature. I liked it well enough.
<p><b>The Picture in the House</b> by Dickson and McMahon. Totally genius, as you might expect from McMahon. This stupid ending is Lovecraft's fault!
<p><b>The Festival</b> by Spurrier & Timson. Another throwback to 90s horror comics, and another success. Very Christmassy too. Well, sort of!
<p><b>Statement of Randolph Carter </b>by Lockwood & Cadwell. A very famous story. Not a bad job, but the punchline is mangled, a massive shame.
<p>Conclusion: every strip is good, a few are great. A fine book, roll on volume one hundred and eleven (or three, if you prefer).
clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664793730579220157.post-4761684185619157902013-01-05T08:19:00.001+00:002013-01-05T08:20:16.557+00:00Zarjaz 16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinp0Bb5ehSE60MZN7nnmNF43WwSRtuLLB6NBU7SS1HT80fg-eIlxJ8W4yyY6o6kvWDShfA4SkZg6FD6x6E1usoMraOfzNhawAf0dIWHhITdu4JGCFJ9eT085ulvlI2IyM1vkNInTdeXfQ/s1600/zarjaz16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="226" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinp0Bb5ehSE60MZN7nnmNF43WwSRtuLLB6NBU7SS1HT80fg-eIlxJ8W4yyY6o6kvWDShfA4SkZg6FD6x6E1usoMraOfzNhawAf0dIWHhITdu4JGCFJ9eT085ulvlI2IyM1vkNInTdeXfQ/s320/zarjaz16.jpg" /></a></div>
<p><i><a href="http://thequaequamblog.blogspot.co.uk/">Zarjaz</a> 16 review by Steven Denton</i>
<p><b>Cover: Jon Haward & Nigel Dobbyn</b>
<p>It’s a nice cover. Slaine has been largely painted or computer-generated since The Horned God but for me he will always be a warrior of well-rendered inks. For the most part the colouring is eye catching and dramatic but I think in places it fights the linework for defining the shadows. I would like to have seen a more old school look to complement the old school Slaine feel.
<p><b>Slaine: Night Moves; by Richmond Clements, Jon Haward & BOLT-01</b>
<p>This simple but effective story has some fine artwork by Jon Haward. There is an impressive level of period detail in the locations and costume design, lending an almost subliminal feeling of historical place. I found myself immersed in the world of Slaine a little deeper with each frame. This is the Slaine of old, the Massimo Belardinelli and Mick McMahon Slaine of my childhood. The script is tight and punchy; my only criticism is that I found some of the dialogue slightly jarring. Not because it was badly-written or out of place, simply because of my familiarity with Pat Mills’ work. Slaine’s voice is hard to replicate and whatever you think of Pat Mills’ writing, his authorial fingerprints are deeply embedded in his work. I was impressed with BOLT-01’s lettering; the sound effects in particular are worth mentioning: they fit the artwork well, so well at times that I found myself wondering if some of the SFX had been drawn as part of the art.
<p><b>Judge Dredd: Sleepers Awake; By Tom Proudfoot, David Broughton & BOLT-01</b>
<p>Sleepers Awake is an action-packed little strip that wastes no time cutting to the chase. The story is basic but makes sense and the bookend plot device adds a much-needed second perspective to the narrative. David Broughton’s layouts can be cluttered and confusing at times, but for an action romp like this, his energetic art work and busy page designs add to the frenetic feel.
<p><b>Bad Company: Krool Intentions; by Mark Pexton, James Newel & Meanwhile.TV</b>
<p>I remember reading Bad Company as a child and being completely in awe of the number of well-defined characters and the alarming rate at which they were killed. It set a bar in my mind that no story has since managed to match. Nostalgia is a terrible thing; there is no reasoning with it. The lettering was generally good, if slightly too small in the captions. One of the biggest problems I have with comics is reading lettering that is meant to represent hand writing but Meanwhile.TV managed to avoid that issue and remain legible throughout. James Pexton’s artwork is crazy, but in a good way. The heavy black inks and dancing swirls of lines somehow manage to form perfectly clear images. There is a seductiveness to the grotesque imagery and an inescapable classic horror comic feel, ideally placed for depicting the horror of monsters and the horrors of war. The story is largely told though captions, which seem to be split between extracts from Danny Franks’ diary and a third person narrator, or it could just be Franks writing in the 3rd person. I found it confusing, which is a shame as for the most part the captions are well written. I was not overly keen on the plot however as it seemed to re-tread ground already covered by Milligan in Bad Company. One of the most common pitfalls of fan fiction is attempting to be too faithful to the source material and just remixing something that we have already seen.
<p><b>The Hills of Hellfire My Love; by Mick Cassidy, Blackmocco & Drokk</b>
<p>The Hills of Hellfire is the tale of a mutie hell trek running into trouble out in the cursed earth. Harried by a gang of slavers, the muties seem to have accepted their fate of slavery or savage death, only for a critically-injured Mega-City One judge to stagger out of a storm and into their camp. Blackmocco can draw, there is no doubt about that; the general style reminded me of Rufus Dayglo but less angular and less finished. It’s loose and sketchy, at times so much so that it comes across as a loose sketch and not a finished strip. The story is told pretty much entirely through captions which can be an effective way of getting a lot of information across quickly but comes with one major drawback. I tend to think that strips with a caption-only narrative read a lot like illustrated prose. The illustrations sometimes repeat the information in the captions rather than add to it; there are also times when the script and art act as complementary narratives. Although not an unqualified success, this is a good read from a promising writer/artist.
<p><b>Flesh: Future Shock; by Andrew Cheverton and <a href="http://www.daveyf.co.uk/Homenews.html">David Frankum</a></b>
<p>Short, snappy, and beautifully-illustrated by David Frankum, Flesh could easily appear in the 1982 2000AD annual. Flesh was a strip that, along with Shako, would probably have been more at home in 2000AD’s older cousin Action, with its broad crimson strokes and almost comically-violent set pieces. Andrew Cheverton has taken this over-the-top gore fest and shaped it into a tale for 2000AD’s signature sci-fi Future Shock style. Frankum’s art work is reminiscent of Bryan Talbot at his best, with dark, solid shadows and form-defining hatching. If the small press had an A-list of artists then David Frankum would be on it.
<p><b>Tales of the Genetic Infantry: In the Zone; by Mike Carroll & BOLT-01</b>
<p>The single biggest problem with Tales of the GI is that, although I have read parts one and two, it’s been more than a year since part two. It’s an unfortunate side effect of the small press that there will be long gaps between issues and multi-issue stories will suffer. The recap helped to jog my memory but it still felt very much like viewing the latest instalment in isolation. Part three itself is a well-written action scene. When faced with insurmountable odds, the battle-scarred GI must use his brains and his enemies’ own strength to give himself a fighting chance. The art, from the ever-dependable BOLT-01 is energetic and easy to follow. BOLT’s art always reminds me of 1980’s Marvel UK and although there are rough edges, it’s hard not to be carried along by its charm. Read all at once, I think this will be a very entertaining strip.
<p><b>Sinister Dexter: Dr Maybe’s Museum Of Death; by Tony Mcveigh, Chris Askham & BOLT-01</b>
<p>To say I am not a fan of Sinister Dexter would be an understatement, so upfront I think it’s important to say I am not the target audience here. The story contains many of the things I dislike about the strip; the joke is old and wasn’t particularly funny the first time, and the word play is weak. The artwork is nice; I do like Chris Askham’s work; and the script and production are of the same quality as the ones that appeared in 2000AD in the 90’s. The jokes may well be knowingly bad like Christmas cracker jokes or maybe just not the kind of thing I find funny.
<p><b>Anderson PSI Division: I Death; By Lee Robson, Dunk! Nimmo and BOLT-01</b>
<p>Dunk! Nimmo is like a cross between Brett Ewins and Ryan Hughes with a dash of D’Israeli thrown in for good measure. You remember that small press A-list I was talking about? Nimmo is on it. His work here is clean, uncluttered, lively and full of character. If I were to offer any criticism, it would be that Dunk’s layouts could be more interesting, there could be more variation in scale and a more dynamic choice of angle. Lee Robson has done a good job with the script: Anderson sounds right and the story moves along nicely without ever seeming predictable or rushed. One of the problems with short, self-contained stories is that there is only a limited amount of stories you can tell in a certain way in a certain space. It’s easy to reach for too much or too little; this does neither. Robson has crafted a complete and satisfying single-part tale and that is not an easy thing to do.
<p><b>Whatever Happened to Sancho Panza?; by The Emperor, David Broughton & BOLT-01</b>
<p>David Broughton captures the look of Sancho Panza very well; the characters and the tank are instantly recognisable and constant without seeming forced. The anarchic, frenetic storytelling style seems to suit Broughton’s artistic sensibilities. The layouts are still jumbled, but for this strip it’s the right choice. The script does something I really like every time I see it in the small press. It takes a story that for some finished too soon and shows us there is still fun to be had with these old toys. Sancho Panza never got a second series, but if it had, it could have done a lot worse and maybe not much better than this.
<p><b>Overall</b>
<p>Zarjaz 16 keeps a high standard: the art is never less than fit for purpose and some times it’s as good, if not better, then the art in 2000AD itself. The standard of writing is impressively high as well, never falling below decent. Zarjaz holds up well, not just in the small press but as a comic; its highs are highs by any standard and its lows just aren’t that low. It’s a must-buy for any 2000AD fan, past or present.
<p><i>You can buy Zarjaz 16 from <a href="http://www.futurequake.co.uk/shop.php">here</a>.</i>clergymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06071113624555568515noreply@blogger.com0